Predictions — an exercise in futility

Now that the Internet has allowed anyone who has ever greased the glass with their face at a hockey game to express their “educated” opinion about how the teams in the NHL and AHL will fare this season, the next few paragraphs will be completely irrelevant.

So if you have any other pressing matters — take a moment to get caught up, or simply go to the end of this space for the final deductions.

NHL Races — Who Will Be the Elite Eight According to “Tony the Pole”

Brad Treliving has these pleading eyes. That’s probably not something a former hockey player who could go toe-to-toe with the best of them wants to hear. But now that he’s in management, specifically the Phoenix Coyotes management, he’s looking for any trace of encouraging comments about the organization, team and all that goes with it.

I wish I could say Dave Tippett will lead the Yotes to the Stanley Cup this season. OK, I can say it …

But mean it?

Baby steps

And there are reasons for optimism for Desert Dog fans. Let’s just say the planets align and the Coyotes make the post-season. I’m thinking serious hockey fans in St. Louis, Chicago and Columbus, at this time last season, weren’t planning on printing up playoff tickets. Heck, the Hawks even fired their coach two weeks into the season.

Making it back to the Stanley Cup bracket will be a challenge, and thus, daylight for the Coyotes.

Two seasons ago, there seemed to be a wall of the top eight teams in the West — Detroit, Calgary, Nashville, Minnesota, Colorado, Vancouver, San Jose and Dallas.

But last season, heavens to Toe Blake, the Wild, Avalanche, Predators and Stars decided to go Maple Leaf and grab early vacations, which allowed the Blues, BlueJackets, Blackhawks and Ducks to ask the Red Wings permission to warm them up for the Cup Finals.

So there is hope for Phoenix. The standings aren’t ironclad, Brad. The Ducks just barely made it in last season, only to dump the Sharks and give the Wings all they could handle. Tippett et al, the et al part being guys you’ve seen skate here at the AT&T Center, have that window of opportunity as any one of six playoff teams can slip right out of the post-season party.

But in the end, is there any reason to doubt the Red Wings won’t be back, playing into June? Their main competition? I’m thinking the Blackhawks can challenge for the conference championship. And the Dallas Stars are more than ready to prove last year was a fluke.

So yeah, eighth place for Phoenix isn’t out of the question.

There, I’ve vacillated more than a UN general assembly member.

In the East — gotta think my Bruins have a more than decent shot at unseating the Penguins, but they’ll have to find some offense now that Phil Kessel has gone north of the border to Toronto.

There’s always Washington, with high scoring forwards and defensemen (and the occasional appearance of Captain. Geritol, Bryan Helmer), along with Montreal, the Rangers, Devils, Hurricanes and Flyers. Here is where the question raises it’s ugly head — which of those solid clubs craters this season to allow the Senators and Sabres to return to the post-season, and newcomers Florida, and the Islanders to make a move?

I know Toronto fans are wondering if they will ever see a playoff game in their lifetimes. Some publications I’ve perused have suggested last place overall for the woe-be-gone Leafs. The Lightning and Thrashers are in recovery mode.

So there is a nice symmetry here — their are eight good teams, two on the bubble and five lousy teams. Symmetry is boring!

PREDICTION — If I were a homer, I’d go with the Bruins over Red Wings in an Original Six wrap up to the fun season. But since reality shows aren’t really reality, here’s the real deal — I actually like the Blackhawks over the Capitals this year!

Bottom line — hockey season begins tonight! Get ready to fall in love again, hockey fans.

Next — Opening weekend for the Rampage — what will we learn about this year’s team?